How to Keep the Screen Door From Blowing Open

A screen door catch will prevent a door from blowing open.

A screen door that doesn't latch closed properly can blow open with only a moderate breeze. Adding a screen door catch, can help keep the door closed when it should be. A screen door catch places enough tension on the door to keep it closed when it should be, allowing it to open when in use. A screen door catch is installed on the outside of the door, and is not the same as the latch, which is typically near the door handle. Screen door catches look a bit like a curved metal finger with a roller on one end and a hinged base on the other. The roller end moves with the door when pressure is applied to the door.

1

Position the screen door catch so the area with screw holes rests above the door with the roller portion of the catch sitting on the closed door. If the door opens outward, the catch goes on the outside of the door, and on the inside on a door that opens inward. Gently open the door while holding the catch in place to ensure proper positioning.

2

Mark with a pencil through the holes in the base of the catch; this is where you will drill pilot holes for the screws. Set the catch aside.

3

Drill pilot holes where you've drawn dots above the door using a drill bit narrower than the screws included with the catch.

4

Place the catch back in location above the door, lining up the holes in the catch with the holes you drilled.

5

Place the screws included with the catch into the holes in the catch and tighten them with a Philips head screwdriver.

Things You Will Need

Screen door catch kit (also known as screen door holder)

Drill with small drill bit

Pencil

Philips head screwdriver

Tip

If the screen door does not latch properly when closed adjusting or repositioning the latch hardware can make it close tightly once again.

A wind chain will keep your door from blowing too far open while the door is opened. The chain stops the door from opening beyond ninety degrees, which will protect the door jamb and hinges from potential door slamming in the open position. The chain itself without a catch will not stop a door from blowing open, however.

Screen door catches can also be installed on storm doors or other exterior doors that may otherwise blow open during moderate winds.

Warning

Install catch hardware while the door is closed to ensure proper alignment.

About the Author

Kathy Adams won several investigative journalism awards from the Associated Press. Adams has ghostwritten several books and content for A-list musicians' websites. She is equally at home repurposing furniture and found objects into art as she is managing bands and community gardening efforts, running non-profit organizations and writing about healthy alternatives to household chemicals.